Why do We Struggle with low Self-Esteem.

Material possessions do not determine self-worth.

This hub was inspired by someone very close to my heart. I was having a conversation with a very smart young lady and she was saying she would be happy when things got in order for her; because she didn't want to be seen as "unaccomplished" as other people she knew.

This wasn't my first time hearing this, or something I wasn't aware of as to how people felt. I have been surrounded my whole life by people who felt they were better than others based on material possessions. Although this was not new my eyes were opened to how this way of thinking has taken on a domino effect- damaging generations after generation after generation.

I tried to explain to this sweetheart that true self-value has no price tag on it and if a person can put a price tag on themselves, they don't really value themselves at all. Measuring yourself against material things that depreciate in value is not a feeling of high self-esteem, but a feeling of low self-worth. I realized I wasn't getting through to this young adult so I told her " This type of wisdom, you'll understand when you get older. " However, it planted a seed for this article.

Things with price tags will depreciate in value.

Source

How defining your self worth- in terms of money- can cost you in the long run.

This type of wisdom did not come out of thin air. Trust me I am not unscathed by the lust for material things for I was once a product of this wrong way of thinking.

Those who follow me faithfully, know that I always share a little bit of my experience's with my readers. Why do I do this? It's to show my readers that I am equipped to write my articles from personal knowledge and experience.

There was a time in my life when I lost everything. My job, my place to live and I was very depressed. The only thing I had left was my faith it was the only thing that held what little hope I had together.

I would go to this one particular park all the time, reading my bible and meditating. One day I was sitting under a huge shady tree and I said out loud: "Lord, the only positive thing out of all I've been going through is that I have drawn closer to you. Even though I lost everything...." and I couldn't continue because the words that came to my heart were so strong they interrupted my conversation.

And the words were.... "If you valued yourself by your job and all your material possessions, then you must not have thought highly of yourself; because you have seen all those things can be taken away from you." Those words not only changed my life, but they changed the way I valued myself and others.

What do you think?

Do you feel people value themselves and others by how much money they have?

Luke 6:13) Serving two masters.

In the book of Luke, the bible speaks of those who try to serve two masters. You will love one and hate the other. Or, despise one and be devoted to the other. I have noticed people who will go to church every Sunday, quote every scripture in the bible when it suits their needs, but will give nothing or very little to the church. And I have heard all the excuses:

I don't have it

I can't afford it

I'm not helping the pastor get rich

some don't bother with excuses at all

I've also noticed those same people will:

buy $500.00 bags

spend lots of money on gadgets

being wasteful with food when people are starving

spending money on clothes and not wearing them

I'm not judging, I am also guilty of these same things. What I'm trying to say is- it's more important for some of us to spend money on things that will depreciate in value because it's what we want, than dong something good that will further and help the church spread the gospel.

The heart is the most valuable thing we own.

Our worldly way of thinking teaches us that we can't do anything, buy anything or be seen as anything unless we have money. We are a people who worship money. In my life, I have seen rich people become poor and poor people become rich, due to wisdom or, a lack of it.

I have been up and I have been down, only to rise up again. However, if you ask me my worth I wouldn't mention my money or the car I drive, I would tell you of the type of person I am: I love God and family. All people are equal in my eyes regardless of race, finances, or educational background. My passion is to give to charities, help out in my church, motivate people, and share my love for the Lord. The most valuable thing about me is my heart and that can never be measured by dollars and cents.

Women and self-esteem.

It's hard for women, in particular, to hold on to their self-worth in a world full of botox, liposuction, and doing anything and everything to look perfect. Feeling wonderful about yourself is your responsibility give yourself pep talks, motivational speeches and highlight your strengths.

We are all wonderfully and fearfully made by the hands of a perfect Creator. God loves us so much and we are perfect in His sight. God has every hair on our heads numbered. We must learn to value ourselves based on how God sees us and not man.

Comments

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Author

Dana Tate 2 years agofrom LOS ANGELES

Oh, missy... You are way to kind in your compliments. I have been through many storms to acquire this kind of wisdom. I am so pleased that you appreciate my desire to help others. You have made my day. Stay blessed.

Missy Smith 2 years agofrom Florida

I think this was really a great topic for me to read today. Dana, you really are such a good person. Every time I read something you've written, It just beams a saint. I'm not going to say I'm a saint, lol, but I think I relate to you well. Like we are on the same level with thoughts. :)

Author

Dana Tate 2 years agofrom LOS ANGELES

Thank you Frank. Sometimes we all need a little reminding of our true value. It takes the stress off of trying to live up to others "expectations" that is of course, if we listen. Thanks again.

Frank Atanacio 2 years agofrom Shelton

what a wonderful useful hub.. it feels good when hubs like this one tap you on your shoulder and remind you of your self worth bravo :)

Author

Dana Tate 2 years agofrom LOS ANGELES

Akriti Mattu. Thank you so much for your visit and encouraging comment.

Akriti Mattu 2 years agofrom Shimla, India

What a fabulous post. Voted up.

Author

Dana Tate 2 years agofrom LOS ANGELES

pegCole17 and word55. Thank you for your visit. word55 I hope that I have planted a seed in this young woman that will grow with time. You are correct nothing in this world can ever compare to spiritual grounding. Measuring ourselves against others only brings unhappiness and low self esteem. Peg many children themselves are comparing themselves to celebrities instead of looking at their own special gifts. Hopefully someday, we will all learn that we are all beautiful and unique in our own special way.

Word 2 years agofrom Chicago

Very well done Ms. Tate, You planted the seed in that young woman and for many others. One day, she may come back to you and say, "thank you very much." You were right on point. Jesus said it in Matthew 16:26 as well. Material possessions amount to nothing compared to spiritual grounding. Thank you for sharing and voted up!

Peg Cole 2 years agofrom Dallas, Texas

Valuable points on how our society has warped the values once taught in schools and church. It's easy to get wrapped up in the glamor and hype of the celebrities who seem to be the new idol and role models. Money doesn't bring happiness or feelings of self worth.

Author

Dana Tate 3 years agofrom LOS ANGELES

JO: What a pleasure to have you drop by and read my hub. Unfortunately you have made some valid points on why many people are not giving regularly to the church. I for one look to see if Churches help out in their community. Sometimes people do not like it when you speak the truth. But we must all do what we feel we were called to do regardless of the outcome. Have a blessed weekend.

Jo_Goldsmith11 3 years ago

Dana,

This is just beautiful! It is worth more than gold! Honestly, I stopped giving to the church when I found out that for some, it goes for their selfish needs and wants. It rarely went to anything that would be pleasing to God. I stopped going to church, because in church it is "God's Family". However, outside church, "hypocrites" and bear false witness against their brothers and sisters.

I am grateful that I have been blessed with our animals we care for.

And when times get hard, I am thankful and grateful they (animals) and us have food/shelter. Praise our Father in Heaven for he knows our needs. And I am sure he understands my heart.

Really blessed reading this. Shared and Up ++++ to the Angles!

hugs Ms. Dana ((((((((((( Dana )))))))))))

Author

Dana Tate 3 years agofrom LOS ANGELES

It's a cycle that seems to be on a downward spiral. Thanks for commenting Kindsey.

Kindsey 3 years ago

And to think I was going to talk to sonmoee in person about this.

Author

Dana Tate 3 years agofrom LOS ANGELES

Thank you DDE, For you visit and comment. Yes, society has put a lot of stress on us women, in particular to value ourselves based on material possessions it saddens me to think it is a vicious cycle that continues to go on down through the generations.

Devika Primić 3 years agofrom Dubrovnik, Croatia

So interesting. A true meaning to how society addresses individuals.You approached this title with great acknowledgement.

Author

Dana Tate 3 years agofrom LOS ANGELES

Thank you Mel Carrier. For your visit and comment.

Mel Carriere 3 years agofrom San Diego California

Very wise and wonderful words. We live in a very superficial society and we don't value the wisdom of age, to our detriment. Great hub!

Eiddwen 3 years agofrom Wales

A great hub Dan and certainly puts all into perspective. Great work and voted up.

Eddy.

Author

Dana Tate 3 years agofrom LOS ANGELES

Thanks for your comment and visit.

William Leverne Smith 3 years agofrom Hollister, MO

Great food for thought! Thanks for sharing! ;-)

Author

Dana Tate 3 years agofrom LOS ANGELES

My Lord, Mabel: Just when I think I am alone in my thinking the Lord always brings you into my space so I can stay encouraged. You couldn't have hit it more on the head if you had did it yourself. That is exactly what has happened here. The words of God has unlocked some doors inside me that has healed me in so many ways. And just as you said mostly everything I write are messages that came from messe, and; I do share because I know if they healed me they can heal someone else. Thank you so much for coming back and writing this on my hub,,, you don't know how much I needed to see it.

mabelhenry 3 years agofrom Harrisburlg, Pennsylvania

You are appreciated because I appreciate you and your writing. The one thing I am discovering about the Words of God is that they are keys unlocking doors within us and opening doors for us. Stay encouraged. The Lord turns all of our messes into messages first to us and then to others. Hallelujah! Blessings to you and your family.

Author

Dana Tate 3 years agofrom LOS ANGELES

Mabel: Thank you so much for your comment. You are so on time with your comment. I too have got to a point in my life where I was truly tested.. It is because I have been through the fire, shaped and reformed that I have a passion to write the way I do although, it may not always be appreciated. There was a time when my finances were so bad that I had to practice what I preached. I always believed in tithing but when I could barely put food on the table it was very hard for me to be in obedience to the Lord. But in the end I had to put my values in order. I can't say I believe The Lord is my provider but then be afraid to tithe because I'm worrying about where my next meals or next pair of clothes would come from. We know that all things come from God and all He wants is our faithfulness and our obedience. I look forward to reading your hub: The quake-of-be... thank you for visiting and commenting.

Author

Dana Tate 3 years agofrom LOS ANGELES

Thank you PrayerPromises, Thank you so much for your visit and comment. We are selfish and I try very hard not to put my wants and needs above what I know is right. I know we as people are pretty much trying to buy our happiness but true joy comes from the heart and not things. Again thank you for commenting.

Author

Dana Tate 3 years agofrom LOS ANGELES

Eric thank you so much for your encouragement. You know sometimes I'm almost afraid to write some of the things i do because not everyone can appreciate it. However, I wouldn't be a writer if I did't write how I feel..right?

mabelhenry 3 years agofrom Harrisburlg, Pennsylvania

Hi Dana: Great topic. I see you have been at work digging for pure goals. Last year it seemed my life was turned upside down. It was if I was being held by my feet and everything was being emptied out. Questions within me emerged concerning serving God and mammon and that I could not serve both. I saw in a closed type of vision a cross with a dollar sign hanging on it. This vision was demanding an answer on, who died on the cross, Jesus or the dollar bill. Through much inner toil I made a discovery. The dollar bill did not die for my sins, Jesus did! What you are writing about is soooooo very real. We need to draw from the biblical counsels and examine all of our values, to determine their worth and that worth can never be measured in dollars and cents. What I was going through I had to explore it and write it and hope that it will open new paths for others as it did for me. https://hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/The-quake...

All the money in the world can never be equal with who is the source of where it comes from. Who made all the substance that money is made of? The Creator God. The price tag that you reference is generally adapted through working for a living and getting payment for it. Work for money corrupts the soul to the point of not making a distinction between the price tag the world puts on our worth, the biblical worth and our own self-worth. Our values are everything we deem is important to us. What we stand for, what we are willing to die for, and what we are willing to pay the price for, even if it means losing out on opportunities because we refuse to compromise our values. Shaping a value system from a biblical stance is essential. The Bible is what informs us of what our value system should look like operationally and how to measure worth. Self-esteem is how we feel about ourselves. Self-concept is our idea of who we should be and could be and is always but compared to what? Money and things are imaginations we must learn to cast down.

Listen to what Jesus said in Revelation 3:18, I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. This where we can find our price tag, in Christ Jesus. Very interesting and down to earth hub. Thanks for sharing.

Diana Rasmussen 3 years agofrom Edgerton, WI

This is so true Dana. I have found that the ones with the most money are the ones least likely to share it. It reminds me of hoarding. It is so sad - to put things above people. I know we are a selfish Nation, but I pray that we would open our eyes and hear the cries of the people around us. Great post, thank you, Diana

Eric Wayne Flynn 3 years agofrom Providence, Rhode Island

Love this Dana, totally agree. I just realized my latest work correlates well with your work here.

EWF

Author

Dana Tate 3 years agofrom LOS ANGELES

Mel Carriere: Thank you so much for your kind words. It is so true that in the end of your life none of these things will matter. All you will care about is the people you loved. Thanks for visiting and commenting.

Mel Carriere 3 years agofrom San Diego California

Thank you for helping put things in perspective. No matter what one's religious ideals are this wisdom applies. We can be in love with the things of this world but we can drop dead the next second and all that stuff means nothing. Better to leave a lasting legacy with our words and deeds. Great hub!